STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CLARITHROMYCIN-LOADED CUBOSOMAL GEL FOR TARGETED THERAPY OF ACNE VULGARIS

Sindhura Pallavi, Viresh K. Chandur and Krishnananda Kamath K.

ABSTRACT

Topical therapy offers a targeted approach to drug delivery, enhancing local concentrations while minimizing systemic side effects. This study focuses on the development and characterization of a Clarithromycin-loaded cubosomal gel, leveraging cubosomes as innovative vesicular nanocarriers to improve drug penetration and retention for acne management. The gel was formulated using a top-down approach with Glyceryl monooleate (GMO) as the lipid phase, Poloxamer 407 as a stabilizer, and distilled water as the aqueous phase. The optimal formulation, F5, demonstrated an entrapment efficiency of 85.229±0.12%, an average particle size of 150.6 nm, and a drug content uniformity of 96.88±0.41%. Zeta potential analysis indicated a stable surface charge of -23.7 mV. In vitro diffusion studies revealed a maximum drug release of 82.53±0.13%. The cubosomal formulation was then incorporated into a 1% w/w Carbopol 934 gel, which exhibited a homogenous appearance, a pH of 6.28±0.14, viscosity ranging from 3055 cps at 5 rpm to 1025 cps at 50 rpm, spreadability of 19.16±0.11 g.cm/sec, and an extrudability % decrease of 98.33±0.23%, a drug content of 90.50±0.15% and a cumulative drug release of 78.568±0.18% over 8 hours, following zero-order (R²=0.9919) and Higuchi diffusion kinetics (R²=0.8926). Stability studies at 25±2°C and 60±5% RH confirmed the gel's robustness and sustained efficacy. The Clarithromycin-loaded cubosomal gel presents a promising strategy for managing Acne vulgaris, with enhanced drug stability and controlled release, making it a valuable approach for effective treatment.

Keywords: Clarithromycin, cubosomes, top-down approach, Acne vulgaris, gel.